Millennials look for experiences over possessions

Research shows that today’s young adults have radically different priorities from their parents’ generation, benefiting brands that support their wellbeing and offer them the tools to keep control of their lives.

Brands have a new dilemma in reaching the valuable 18- to 34-year-old age group, with new research showing they are less materialistic than their predecessors and more concerned with health, wellbeing and achieving career goals. This generation of young adults, often referred to as ‘millennials’, feels a growing affinity for brands that help them to take control of their lives and offer worthwhile experiences rather than more possessions, the study by ZenithOptimedia has found.

Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative surveys in the second half of last year, the research asked over 6,000 millennials in 10 countries about how happy and satisfied they felt with their lives. ZenithOptimedia then used these findings to determine the factors driving happiness in young adults.

Having a sense of control over key aspects of their lives is particularly important to this demographic. For example, the results show that millennials who feel they have a high level of control over their career are 56% happier than those who feel they are not in control. Meanwhile millennials who are in control of their finances are 43% happier, and those in control of their fitness and wellbeing are 41% happier.

The report suggests that while previous generations felt compelled to rebel against controls, millennials are more likely to embrace them. This trend is attributed to the recession and the economic uncertainty it created for young people, as well as to the empowering impact of digital technology.

“The global digital age has given millennials so much freedom that they need to introduce their own controls to help them express themselves better,” says Linda Tan, strategic insights director at ZenithOptimedia.

“This study revealed that having control of their finances, social life, career and work-life balance has a strong connection with their happiness.”

When asked to name the milestones that millennials feel are synonymous with adulthood, the most popular option was financial independence, selected by 60% of 18- to 34-year-olds, followed by the ability to ‘become a decision maker’ (59%) and ‘become a problem solver’ (47%). These options were significantly more popular than personal life goals like getting married (20%), having children (18%) and buying a house (17%).

The survey also reveals certain marked differences according to country. For example a significantly higher proportion of Chinese millennials (20%) consider being ‘well travelled’ to be a core component of adulthood versus a global average of 9%, while more American millennials (56%) feel that moving out of their parents’ home is a key part of being an adult compared to a global average of 39%.

In addition, the study highlights how millennials view different product categories, with average ratings across the demographic showing that gadgets, holidays and eating out are seen as ‘indulgences’. Homewares, cosmetics and music are considered ‘nice-to-haves’, while categories like groceries, clothing and public transport are viewed as ‘necessities’.

Tan at ZenithOptimedia argues that young adults are more concerned with what brands stand for and the experiences they offer, rather than specific products. This contrasts with the parents of millennials, she claims, who were more inclined at this age to equate material wealth with happiness.

“[Today’s young people] value living a life of purpose and direct their attention to discover meaningful experiences that build on their ‘authentic self’,” says Tan.

“Being more global, more tolerant, more diverse, more educated and more connected drives this generation to want to make a positive difference.”

The study also reveals the channels that millennials are most likely to use to share the experiences that inspire them. A third (32%) said they post a photo on social media when they discover ‘something new, interesting, funny or exciting’, while a further 28% said they would post a status update about such an experience.

A quarter (24%) of 18- to 34-year-olds also said that they would record a video of the experience, while a further 13% said they would put the video on social media. Tan suggests that as online communities play an increasingly important role in young people’s lives, brands must improve their ability to engage with millennials through conversations on social media.

“This generation wants to be part of a community where they can be free to express themselves and help them make informed decisions,” she says.

“The rise in social networks provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to come together to provide support and promote collaboration. The platforms are there – brands need to get their act together to bring communities together.”

It’s been great seeing so much research from so many respected sources commentating on the value millennials place in experiences. When we launched Desperados beer into the UK market over 7 years ago, we were acutely aware of this trend then, and an experience lead TTL strategy allowed the brand’s core 18-24yr old audience to ‘discover’ the brand on their own terms. The rest as they say…is history!

Interesting that the survey equates 18 years olds to 34 years olds – of course this is total and utter rubbish both biological, psychologically, socially and from our perspective marketing wise! Oh and in some jurisdictions there are legal differences as well!
The one rule that applies is people don’t actually change (although they might think they do) – the controlling factors in society do. Whether its being a good communist (USSR in the 50’s), a hippy in the 60’s, a consumer in the 90’s or a so called Millennium generation. Its all about fitting in and that’s what marketing is about making your product the one that they need to fit into (and not just skinny jeans!)
The so called Millennium generation is just as dumbly following trends courtesy of Facebook, twitter or other influencing media. At the end of the day they as a group will have basic requirements of all human beings of any generation.

With today’s information overload, everyone wants something to talk about. A conversation isn’t sparked based on a product or brand’s basic utility, but the exciting moments and feelings that surround the product/brand. Possibly one of the best examples of an experience-focused company, targeted at today’s millennials, is Red Bull. The drink itself is hardly the focus of their advertising, promotion, relationships, and events- but the resulting experience sure is. Viral videos and photos are the winners in today’s visual advertising, and Red Bull capitalizes on both. Provide customers with an astounding experience surrounding the product, and those interested will join the community- and buy into the product.

You should read this

Disney is looking to replicate the merchandising success of its major princess-led animated flick Frozen as it partners with nine global luxury shoe designers to create a collection of Cinderella’s iconic glass slippers in an effort to build buzz leading up to the March release of the live-action film.

NOT REGISTERED? IT'S FREE, QUICK AND EASY!

Already a member?

Sign in

Register and receive the best content from the only UK title 100% dedicated to serving marketers' needs.

We’ll ask you just a few questions about what you do and where you work. The more we know about our visitors, the better and more relevant content we can provide for them. And, yes, knowing our audience better helps us find commercial partners too. Don't worry, we won't share your information with other parties, unless you give us permission to do so.

THE BEST CONTENT

Our award winning editorial team (PPA Digital Brand of the Year) ask the big questions about the biggest issues on everything from strategy through to execution to help you navigate the fast moving modern marketing landscape.

THE BIGGEST ISSUES

From the opportunities and challenges of emerging technology to the need for greater effectiveness, from the challenge of measurement to building a marketing team fit for the future, we are your guide.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Information, inspiration and advice from the marketing world and beyond that will help you develop as a marketer and as a leader.

Type anything and hit “enter”

Sign in

Not registered yet?

Register and receive the best content from the only UK title 100% dedicated to serving marketers' needs.

We’ll ask you just a few questions about what you do and where you work. The more we know about our visitors, the better and more relevant content we can provide for them. And, yes, knowing our audience better helps us find commercial partners too. Don't worry, we won't share your information with other parties, unless you give us permission to do so.